Daniel Ricciardo has given a big hint about his possible retirement from Formula 1 as he opened up his first year with McLaren and his plan with the team in the near future.
Ricciardo joined McLaren from Renault ahead of the 2021 season and, despite a difficult start, secured his team’s first win in nine years after claiming victory at the Italian Grand Prix.
His Monza win also proved to be the only team one-two of the season, as fellow McLaren Lando Norris finished second as their newly formed partnership began to show promise.
There is no doubt that the two teammates are at opposite ends of their careers.
One of the freshest faces of Formula 1, Norris is among the sport’s rising stars, while Ricciardo has more than proven his caliber as he enters his 11th F1 season.
And having moved towards the final stages of his career, the 32-year-old has admitted he intends to remain at McLaren until retirement.
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He told Auto Motor und Sport: “The reason I’m not remotely thinking about another team or about my future is because I actually won what might have been the toughest year of my career.
“So my thought is, if I win in a year like this, what does that say about the journey ahead?
“I’m definitely excited and want to stay here, possibly until the end of my career.”
Ricciardo’s plans to wrap up with McLaren clearly show that the Australian has enjoyed his first season with the Woking-based setup in 2021.
And while he knows he doesn’t drive the fastest car on the circuit, the one aspect that’s been crucial to his career is having fun, and he certainly does while being part of Team McLaren.
While the Australian still sees his immediate future as “part of the McLaren family” and competing on the track, Ricciardo has revealed two potential roles he would be open to when his racing career comes to an end.
He said: “To be honest I haven’t thought about it [other projects] still. But you are right.
“It could actually open a few doors for me after Formula 1 and be another advantage.
“Also as a brand ambassador or as a test driver for road cars. But at the moment I have my hands full with Formula 1.”
